Lakers top Clippers in OT as LeBron James returns from injury

LeBron James had 24 points and 14 rebounds in his return from a 17-game injury absence, and the Lakers beat the Clippers 123-120 in overtime after blowing a 14-point, fourth-quarter lead.

James was one assist shy of a triple-double. He made 5 of 7 free-throw tries and had no fouls in 40 minutes of his first game since Christmas when he strained his left groin in a win over the Warriors. The Lakers were 6-11 during the longest absence of his 16-year career.

Tied 118-118, James scored the go-ahead basket in overtime. Lance Stephenson drove for a flailing layup, hitting Boban Marjanovic in the nose with his left elbow while being fouled. Stephenson completed the three-point play that put the Lakers ahead 123-118.

The Clippers’ Avery Bradley and Lou Williams missed on the same possession, and Williams missed a foul shot when Stephenson got called for a technical in a tussle with Bradley.

Williams couldn’t get off a potential tying 3-pointer in the right corner before the final buzzer.

Stephenson added 20 points, including a career-high-tying five 3-pointers for the Lakers. Brandon Ingram added 19 points, and Rajon Rondo had 14 points and 13 rebounds. They enjoyed strong support from the Staples Center crowd as the designated visiting team.

Williams led the Clippers with 24 points.

Bucks 105, Raptors 92: Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 19 points, Khris Middleton had 18 and the Bucks ended the Raptors’ home winning streak at 10 games. The victory ensures Milwaukee will have the best winning percentage in the East through Sunday, meaning Milwaukee head coach Mike Budenholzer will represent the conference at the All-Star Game.

Spurs 117, Nets 114: Derrick White scored a career-high 26 points and San Antonio rallied in the fourth quarter to beat Brooklyn for its 16th straight home victory over the Nets. LaMarcus Aldridge had 20 points, including a critical three-point play in the final minute, and 13 rebounds for the Spurs.

Pistons 93, Mavericks 89: Andre Drummond had 24 points and 20 rebounds and host Detroit rallied from a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat shorthanded Dallas. The Mavericks were without rookie Luka Doncic, who sat out with left ankle soreness. Blake Griffin had 24 points for the Pistons.